Cassandra Lockwood named artist in residence for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Program uses artist's skills to depict historic, cultural, geological, and plant and wildlife features
- Lockwood studied in Michigan and New Mexico
Officials with the Bureau of Land Management and Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks selected Cassandra Lockwood to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Artist in Residence Program.
The program utilizes the artist’s unique skills to depict the historic, cultural, geologic, and plant and wildlife features that provide a deeper understanding of public lands.
Cassandra Lockwood attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich., and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1997, which was primarily focused on oil paintings. She also extensively studied how cultural identify informs contemporary art on the United States/Mexico Border. She received a Master’s of Arts in History in 2003, from New Mexico State University. She continues to exhibit in various galleries and art centers individually and with Border Artists organization.
“I’m excited to become a part of the OMDPNM Artist in Residency this May," Lockwood said. "I’m looking forward to catching the moments on the mountain that will shape my work. The sky, the wind, the texture of rock will all be explored through painting. This experience is a gift that will shape me as an artist, as well. I’m truly honored to have been selected.
“The Organ Mountains mean so much to me, and this is so special that this is my first artist residency. I hope you join me for a sketch and hike during the month of May. Let’s celebrate and share the unique qualities that define our monument through art making.”
The Artist will be on Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument from May 1 to May 31.
The Artist in Residence program aims to educate and promote the appreciation, protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources on public lands. The residency provides an artist and public an opportunity to interact to better enhance the understanding of the public lands as well as the unique qualities an artist’s eye can capture. The selected Artist in Residence lives on Organ Mountain–Desert Peaks National Monument for the residency month, immersed in the landscape.
“This program brings together an artist and our community, to provide both with a fresh and unique perspective on our public lands,” Patrick Nolan, executive director of Friends of Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks, said. Previous artists in residence at the monument include Meg G. Freyermuth, oil painter; Emmitt Booher, photographer; Kayla Blundell, mixed media artist; Heidi Annalise, oil painter; and Gabriella Banegas, print maker artist. As part of the residency requirements, artists conduct a community workshop during their stay to engage local residents on the monument.
For more information about the Artist in Residence Program or about the May Artist in Residence, contact Patrick Nolan at director@organmtnfriends.org or visit their website at www.organmountainsdesertpeaks.org.